Dianthus Sunflor Red Esta

Dianthus Sunflor Red Esta is a perennial carnation from the Sunflor series that combines many qualities. This variety with dark red double flowers edged with white is characterized by its compact and neat habit and early, prolonged, abundant, fully double, fragrant flowering. In the garden or in a pot, it is easy to maintain and blooms throughout the season. Perfect, even in slightly chalky soil and with very little water!

Dianthus Sunflor Red Esta belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is one of many hybrids resulting from cross-breeding between Dianthus plumarius and D. caryophyllus. D. plumarius, a European perennial plant and the main ancestor of various varieties of old or modern carnation. D. caryophyllus, of Mediterranean origin, has passed on its wonderful clove fragrance and tolerance to chalky, dry soils. Dianthus Sunflor 'Red Esta' grows rapidly, reaching a maximum height and spread of 20-25 cm (8-10in). It forms a small dense tuft and produces round, double flowers with a diameter of 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in), carried by short, branched stems, from April to October. Their spicy fragrance reveals notes of cloves. Its linear, leathery, grey-blue-green leaves, are pointed and smooth and persist in winter.

Dianthus Sunflor is versatile with a great range of colours, flower shapes and plant types. All varieties in this series flower continuously from spring to autumn, withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), and have a compact growth habit. The plants can be used outdoors and indoors. The fragrant and colourful flowers are very long-lasting in small bouquets or buttonholes.

These lovely plants combine well with many small perennials, carnations, Rockroses, Silene schafta Splendens, Arabis, Wall Bellflower, Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata), Aubrietas, Erigeron karvinskianus, Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides), or Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). To recreate a nostalgic atmosphere, create a border with peonies and old roses. Cosmos and African Daisies are also good choices to extend the flowering period.

Note: Attention, our plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, plant them as soon as possible, into pots, containers or directly in beds.